My name is Ivan and I love to travel. I don't have lots of possessions and live in a studio with spartan accommodations. This combination combined with a growing dream I've had over the past several years has led me to decide to move into a van.
Modern commercial vans get great fuel economy, are huge, and very easy to drive for their size. I have chosen the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter as my base vehicle. For the van geeks out there, I have a 144" wheel base high roof with the 4 cylinder diesel engine. The one I have purchased is completely stripped down except for flooring and some panels on the doors. Basically it's a perfect starting point for my own completely custom home.
Here are a few snapshots of the vision I have for the van:
When the project is completed, I'll have a work space, very large bed and extra small sleeping spot for my young son, tons of under bed storage for surfboards and other necessities, full kitchen with stove top and sink, running fresh water with, a water heater for the fresh water system, mini fridge with freezer, outdoor shower, solar system, and plenty of nooks and crannies to store stuff.
The main objective will be a stealth van that can be parked anywhere for a night of sleep without raising suspicion and the ability to fully support my work and family life.
I'm also lucky in that I will have a home base in Santa Cruz with a mini workshop in a full size garage. From here I can do my laundry, make repairs and conduct fabrication, refill my fresh water tank, store things that don't fit in the van, and also make use of the shower and bathroom at the house.
Here are some pictures of the van prior to beginning work.
Modern commercial vans get great fuel economy, are huge, and very easy to drive for their size. I have chosen the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter as my base vehicle. For the van geeks out there, I have a 144" wheel base high roof with the 4 cylinder diesel engine. The one I have purchased is completely stripped down except for flooring and some panels on the doors. Basically it's a perfect starting point for my own completely custom home.
Here are a few snapshots of the vision I have for the van:
When the project is completed, I'll have a work space, very large bed and extra small sleeping spot for my young son, tons of under bed storage for surfboards and other necessities, full kitchen with stove top and sink, running fresh water with, a water heater for the fresh water system, mini fridge with freezer, outdoor shower, solar system, and plenty of nooks and crannies to store stuff.
The main objective will be a stealth van that can be parked anywhere for a night of sleep without raising suspicion and the ability to fully support my work and family life.
I'm also lucky in that I will have a home base in Santa Cruz with a mini workshop in a full size garage. From here I can do my laundry, make repairs and conduct fabrication, refill my fresh water tank, store things that don't fit in the van, and also make use of the shower and bathroom at the house.
Here are some pictures of the van prior to beginning work.
I will live my dream of this through your travels! Good luck my friend.
ReplyDeleteThank you Mario! I've promised myself I would actually post regularly to share the story. I hope I don't get too caught up in the project and the moments to break that promise. At the same time I love getting caught up in things ;-)
DeleteWow!! I can't wait to hear more! -Amie
ReplyDeleteHey Ivan, Mario's bro Maurice. Really excited for your new journey... I've been having the same idea for the past 2 years now and trying to figure out how to make money on the job long term and quit the rat race! Stacey and I (and my son Mateo) road trip in a 2002 VW Campervan and love it, and wish I could go farther! Looking forward to your updates! - Maurice
ReplyDeleteHi Maurice. Thank you. I'm really amped about it and sometimes overwhelmed. All in all though I think I have a good plan and am ready to see it through to a finished livable van. I'll keep posting.
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